Hepatocellular Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma, and Metastatic Tumors of the Liver

Lawrence D. Wagman, MD, FACS, Editor

Development of an issue for the Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America is initiated by defining an area of need and interest. Interest in the treatment of liver tumors has expanded logarithmically in the past ten years. The current needs are exemplified by what was a rare presentation at a specialty society meeting two decades ago and has morphed into a highly sought-after section at virtually every meeting in oncology. To identify the most timely and knowledgeable authors for each article, I reviewed the prior year’s literature and specialty society meetings, seeking those with recognized expertise and high-quality presentations and writing skills.

While liver tumors, primary and metastatic, are approached in multidisciplinary motifs, the wide variety of treatments, procedures, and operations further increases the variability of the potential therapeutic plans. Several features of the liver play strongly into the approaches: its association of viral-induced carcinogenesis, dual inflow blood supply, central role in drug metabolism, critical synthetic functions, large functional reserve, and, most remarkably, the unique function of cellular regeneration.

This issue guides the reader through several aspects of primary (hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma) and metastatic tumors to the liver (directed mostly at colorectal cancer as the primary with a nod to selected other primary sites). The issue starts with the epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma with special emphasis on viral induction. It then moves to imaging with a description of the imaging modality, contrast agents utilized, technique, and cancer-specific interpretive methodology. The introductory articles conclude with a prognostic and risk assessment article to provide prospective for the following articles on specific interventions and techniques.

Leaving no stone unturned, the balance of the issue reviews the discreet surgical, interventional radiologic, and chemotherapeutic modalities. While each and every individual article discussing a therapeutic intervention delineates the indications and anticipated outcomes, risks, and benefits, one article is devoted to the potential surgical complications that accompany liver surgery. The issue is designed to provide the full spectrum of needed information with minimal redundancy, as the reader moves from article to article.

To conclude, let me first thank Dr Petrelli for the invitation to guest edit and second thank the authors for their willingness to focus their unique expertise. As the guest editor, my vision for succinct and comprehensive coverage of the subject material was realized. The authors wrote within the confines of the overall goal of the issue by adhering to the need for data-based recounting as well as their personal clinical sense of the field. Finally, I wish to thank the editorial team at Elsevier, who guided, prodded, proofed, and committed our work to paper.

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